The Promise by Patricia Davids

Welcome!  Two books that are still coming out on June 9 are The Bitter and Sweet of Cherry Season by Molly Fader and Daddy's Girls by Danielle Steel. Booked for Death by Victoria Gilbert (originally coming out June 9) has had its release date changed to August 11.  It is the debut of A Booklovers B & B Mystery series.  Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan has moved to August 1.  Publishers are changing release dates on novels due to the pandemic.

The Promise by Patricia Davids has Henrietta Raber announcing to her two sons, Isaac and Levi that she has sold Raber Stables.  She then states that the moving truck will be there is two days because they are moving to Cedar Grove, Kansas where she inherited her parent’s farm.  Henrietta tells her sons that she will deed the farm to the first son that marries.  She feels it is time for one of her sons to provide her with grandchildren.  Levi has been running the horse farm since his father’s death and it is a job that he loves.  Isaac does not wish to leave his Englisch friends nor is he ready to become baptized.  Sarah Yoder is thrilled when she hears that Isaac has returned to town.  They got close the summer he spent with his grandparents and they have been corresponding since Isaac returned to Lancaster.  Isaac, though, does not feel the same way towards Sarah.  Levi feels the best way to get back to Pennsylvania is to get his brother to marry Sarah.  Levi suggests a plan to Sarah that will capture the attention of his competitive brother.  As Sarah spends time with Levi, she begins to wonder if it is really Isaac her heart desires?  

The Promise by Patricia Davids is the 3^rd novel in The Amish of Cedar Grove series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I thought The Promise was well-written with solid characters and a lovely setting.  There is humor scattered throughout the book that I enjoyed.  Things never go as we plan them which leads to amusing situations.  Sarah’s greatest desire is to marry a man, settle down near where she grew up, and have a family.  She has no desire to move anywhere else.  Unfortunately, there is a shortage of single men in her district.  When Isaac Raber returns to town, it seems that God has answered her prayers.  Isaac did propose to Sarah before he returned to Pennsylvania the summer he visited.  Levi Raver loves his work of raising and training horses for racing.  He has A Wing and a Prayer who is a promising filly.  He needs to return to Pennsylvania, though, if he is train and race her.  It was interesting to learn that Amish could raise, train, and own racehorses.  They cannot ride the horses nor bet on the races.  I liked that the characters from The Wish and The Hope appeared in the story.  We get a chance to catch up with them.  There are two side stories in The Promise.  Henrietta Raber has returned to her hometown for a reason as her children soon learn.  It will take some time to get the full story from her.  Isaac keeps his phone close at hand and seems to text someone frequently.  The Promise is a sweet, heartwarming story with festive fishing jaunts, a canoe crisis, one fine filly, a risky race, traveling by tractor, and quixotic quandaries.

The Promise is available from Amazon* along with the other two novels in The Amish of Cedar Grove series.  The other two titles are The Wish and The Hope. Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be back tomorrow with Deadly Sweet Tooth by Kaye George.  It is the 2nd The Vintage Sweets Mysteries.  I hope that you will have a harmonious day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Hope by Patricia Davids

Welcome!  USA Today bestselling author Patricia Davids grew up on a Kansas farm with four brothers.  After college, Patricia began her career as a nurse.  As an avid reader, she longed to write a book.  However, Patricia had to put that dream on hold while she worked in a NICU and raised her family.  It was not until 1996 that she began to take her writing seriously.  Patricia Davids enjoys crafting emotionally satisfying romances where love and faith bring two people together forever.  You can find out more about the author and discover what books Patricia Davids has written by visiting her website.  Readers can follow the author on Amazon to get updates on her latest book releases.

Amish travel via tractors in The Hope

The Hope by Patricia Davids has Ruth Mast upset when she learns what Ernest Mast and her son, Faron have conspired behind her back.  Ruth’s eldest daughter, Ella recently married and is preparing to depart Cedar Grove, Kansas on her wedding trip in which Ernest will be escorting them.  With the upcoming lambing season, Ruth needs Faron to take on Ernest’s chores.  Unbeknownst to Ruth, Faron has decided to go along on the trip and Ernest has written to Owen Mast to request his assistance.  The last person Ruth wants helping her out is Owen because he has proven himself to be unreliable.  Owen’s first night at Ernest’s home has him finding a lost little girl on the porch cuddled up with Meeka, the dog.  Owen has never explained to Ruth why he was not there for her and he wants to make amends.  The little girl, Grace needs both Owen and Ruth to help her through this troubling time while the community searches for her missing mother.  As Ruth and Owen work together on the farm and take care of Grace, they grow closer.  Is it possible for them to overcome the past so they can have a fulfilling future together? 

Icelandic Sheep--the type Ruth had on her farm

The Hope by Patricia Davids is the second novel in The Amish of Cedar Grove series.  The Hope is a sweet story about second chances, hope, love and unexpected surprises.  I thought The Hope was well-written and it moved along at a nice steady pace.  There was a good flow between Owen and Ruth’s sections. I like that we get to see the situation from a woman and a man’s point-of-view.  Ruth Mast is a strong woman who is a widow with two children.  Her eldest, Ella has been married two months and is departing on her wedding trip.  The couple will then move to Jamesport, Missouri.  That leaves Ruth’s seventeen year old son, Faron at home who has wanderlust in his eyes.  Owen’s stories about traveling around the country have inspired Faron to make a trip of his own, but he has yet to tell Ruth.  Owen Mast became an orphan from a buggy accident as a child.  Only himself and his three year old sister, Rebecca survived the accident.  They were sent to live with two different relatives.  Owen promised Rebecca they would get back together and he has been trying to find her since he became an adult.  The Hope is a multifaceted novel.  Owen finds little Grace and she clings to him.  The child gives odd answers and has evidently had a rough life though it is obvious she had a loving mother.  Owen and Ruth take care of Grace while the search for the child’s mother as well as answers.  Grace is an endearing little girl who stole the show.  I especially loved the scene with Grace and Polkadot, the sheep.  It was interesting to learn about Icelandic sheep which Ruth raised on her farm (I am now going to seek out some of their wool).  I was surprised that the sheep were not washed prior to shearing them.  The story has romance and mystery mixed in with mending broken fences.  There are wonderful messages in The Hope.  The Hope can be read as a standalone if you have not had the time to read The Wish.  I started The Hope and kept reading until I finished it.   The ending was just delightful.  My favorite line from the story is “…home is where your heart is happy.” The Hope is a captivating story that will tug at your heart.  

I hope you enjoy The Hope as much as I did.  The Hope and The Wish are available through Amazon* (Amazon UK) as well as Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iBooks. Thank you for joining me today.  I plan on featuring A Mystery Before Christmas by Adriana Licio.  It is the third An Italian Village Mystery.  I hope that you have a sunny day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.